Hyatt Partners with MECO in Renewable Energy Pilot Project

Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa, Maui. Courtesy photo.

By Wendy Osher

The Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa has entered a partnership with Maui Electric Company as part of a renewable energy pilot project.

The semi-automated Fast Demand Response pilot program was launched last year to help business customers control the cost of electric bills, while helping the utility maintain reliability and add more renewable energy to the Maui grid.

Fast DR rewards commercial and industrial customers for designating parts of their electricity use that can be turned off during critical energy situations with 10 minutes’ notice or less.

“We are proud to be the first commercial business in the state to begin testing this important clean energy program,” said Michael Jokovich, general manager of Hyatt Regency Maui in a media statement today. “Hyatt Regency Maui is thrilled to partner with Maui Electric and to remain on the cutting edge of renewable energy with the Fast DR Pilot Program,” he said.

Sharon Suzuki, president of Maui Electric Company said, “The Fast DR program is yet another example of the importance of collaboration on all levels and across all sectors when it comes to reaching our clean energy goals.”

She said, “Working in partnership with the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, we are able to integrate higher levels of clean renewable energy to our system while ensuring service that is reliable and dependable for our customers.”

As part of the program, the Hyatt Regency Maui in Kaanapali, will allow part of its power consumption to be temporarily reduced.  The power reduction is implemented upon MECO notification via internet.